Independent authors learn about publishing pitfalls, resources at January meeting

Authors should include newsworthy angles in their books and treat them as a business that needs a marketing plan, National Press Club member Ed Segal said at the monthly meeting of Club independent authors on Jan. 11.

Segal, author of the forthcoming book "Whistle-Stop Politics: Campaign Trains and the Reporters Who Covered Them," outlined for the audience potential publishing pitfalls.

“Assuming everyone will want to buy their books, and assuming everyone will appreciate and love their books,” is one of the main misconceptions for writers, Segal said. Some writers fail to include newsworthy angles or take advantage of news developments related to their books.

Authors need to know who owns their book’s copyright, he said, and shouldn’t assume that publishers will provide adequate publicity.

Authors should treat their books as a business that needs a marketing plan and early publicity that includes seeking blurbs, endorsements, or other low-cost or free resources.

Segal talked about several companies that work with authors for a fee to generate publicity and press releases, including SmithPublicity.com, ExpertClick.com, Cision.com or PRNewswire.com Girl Friday Productions is a hybrid publisher, which provides editorial assistance for a fee. Aspiring authors should also read "How to Write a Book Proposal" by Michael Larsen, if they are interested in traditional publishing.